"Los Angeles' Best Kept Secret: a diamond in the rough"

This area seems surreal yet is also indicative of how Los Angeles is in terms of real estate- very much a block to block/area to area thing. Sandwiched between Crenshaw and Slauson, you would think this neighborhood would suffer from the blight of traffic and noise from highly urbanized Crenshaw district and Leimart Park. However, it is also the foothills of fairly affluent Baldwin Hills and a close neighbor to quaint Ladera Heights and bustling Downtown Culver City. This juxtaposition allows it to be nestled away almost unnoticed unless you happened to drive through any of its streets like Angeles Vista. Located in what is referred to as the southeast portion of West Los Angeles (makes no sense to me except that West L.A. college is in proximity). It is central to downtown L.A., Culver City, Inglewood, Fox Hills/Ladera Heights, Mid-City and West Hollywood. It offers quick access to LAX via La Cienaga, downtown/USC via Metro and is near the 10 and 110 freeways. (For casino & gaming fans, there are free park & rides in the area). The neighborhood is between two malls (Westfield Culver/FoxHills and Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Plaza), close two Home Depots, 3 parks (Kenneth Hahn, Culver City, and Leimart), Wal-Mart, two Targets and two of L.A.'s best known and loved BBQ offerings (Woody's and Phillips).

The area is home to older retirees and younger families looking for more bang for their buck. Many homes being listed have already been remodeled with modern interior upgrades while maintaining a certain vintage charm from the curb. The homes are an eclectic mixture of styles from the 20's through the 60's including Spanish, Craftsmen, Colonial, Bungalow, Cape Cod, and Mid-Century Modern. (You really have to see it for yourself to believe it.) This offers a beautiful selection and variance; preventing the cookie cutter look of many modern planned neighborhoods or tract homes. The neighborhood demonstrates clear pride of ownership in their neatly manicured lawns and gardens. Granted, every few houses will lack curb appeal but that happens in many areas. The area is experiencing a rejuvenation almost akin to the hipster movement in the Silverlake/Echo park area as younger couples, professionals and families search for more value-oriented offerings in Los Angeles. The Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Plaza has been steadily receiving a modernized facelift and is host to Chef Govind Armstrong's hot new eatery Post & Beam. The neighbors are nice and the area is quiet with the exception of any noise incurred from the major thoroughfares like Crenshaw or the occasional plane or helicopter.

The major drawbacks of the area are the lack of bountiful dining choices and its proximity to Crenshaw and Slauson Boulevard. There isn't a good Asian or Italian/pizza establishment unless you head back into westside proper. There is a lot of fast food, but as mentioned before Post & Beam exists, there is a fantastic Mexican restaurant called Fiesta Martin, a great Jamaican restaurant called Ackee Bamboo, and lots of good soul food. The Westside is a 10-20 drive away depending on traffic and how far west you want to go. Crenshaw and Slauson is, well, Crenshaw and Slauson- it's like driving down Venice Boulevard: mixed bag. Do note: Sundays are church day so Crenshaw is packed!